Apprenticeship Recruitment 2026
Plumbing, Steamfitting, Welding Apprenticeship Openings for Contra Costa & Alameda Counties
CLICK HERE to download a printable copy of the 2026 Apprenticeship Announcement.
DATE: Dates to be Determined (Check Website in December 2025 for Updates)
CAREFULLY READ TO BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR THE LINK TO APPLY DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD
INTERESTED IN OUR HVAC/R PROGRAM? Click Here: ua342.org/apprenticeship-hvac.aspx
IMPORTANT: Prior to submitting an online application, please carefully read all information within this announcement.
- Be prepared to upload the required documentation (proof of age and education) when applying online.
- You will apply for one trade. Research is recommended as trade changes are not allowed after applying or during an apprenticeship. For more insight click here: PROGRAM & TRADE DESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
- Multiple applications will be rejected.
- A confirmation email is sent once an application has successfully been submitted.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- AGE: Applicant must be at least 18 years of age; or will be 18 years of age before January 2027. The following items are acceptable for proof of age:
- Valid Driver’s License, or
- Valid State Issued Identification Card, or
- Birth Certificate with a Photo ID, or
- Passport
- EDUCATION: The following items are acceptable for proof of education:
- High School Diploma, or
- General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.), or
- Official Signed Transcript, or
- If not yet graduated from high school, Current Official Transcript
- APPLICANTS MUST BE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO PERFORM THE WORK OF THE TRADE.
QUALIFYING TEST: Those who successfully apply will be scheduled to take a two-part written exam consisting of Math (Numerical Ability) and Mechanical Aptitude. The minimum passing score is a 75% composite grade.
INTERVIEW: Applicants who pass the exam will be scheduled for an interview with the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee.
ELIGIBILITY: Upon completion of the interview, applicants will be ranked by their exam and interview scores and placed on a trade specific waiting list for possible admission once openings become available. The waiting list is good for two (2) years.
TERM: A minimum of five (5) years; includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
UA Local 342 JATC PREPARE FOR APPRENTICESHIP TEST
Tutoring & Pre-Apprenticeship Classes
CONTACT BELOW INDEPENDENTS FOR LOCATION CHANGES & AVAILABILITY
CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE TEST
Benicia Adult Education
350 East K Street Benicia, CA
Corner of E. K Street & E. 3rd Street
(707) 747-8367
https://beniciaunified.org/ departments/adult- education/
Pittsburg Adult Education
1151 Stoneman Avenue Pittsburg, CA
(925) 473-2400
https://www.pittsburg.k12. ca.us/paec
Construction Trades Workforce Initiative Test Prep Class
Laney College
900 Fallon St, Room G-211
Oakland, CA
(510) 560-6329
https://forms.gle/gT3HR1nFh56tLoT6A
Vallejo Adult Education
436 Del Sur Street Vallejo, CA
(707) 556-8850
https://vallejoadult.vcusd.org
West Contra Costa Adult Education
Richmond High School
1250 23rd Street
Richmond, CA
(510) 231-1453
https://wccae.asapconnected.com/#courseID=301016
San Mateo Adult Education
789 E. Poplar Avenue San Mateo, CA
(650) 558-2100
https://sanmateoadulted.org/
Study Material (Books)
Math
Practical Math Success in 20 Minutes a Day
By Learning Express Editors - Price $16 (approximately)
Mechanical Aptitude
Barron’s How to Prepare for the Mechanical Aptitude & Spatial Relations Tests
By Joel Wiesen – Price $18 (approximately)
NOTE: Study the Mechanical Aptitude part of the book only.
The above books and tutoring contacts are only suggestions and are not endorsed by UA Local 342, JATC. Please feel free to use any book that you wish. The test consists of two parts: Math and Mechanical Aptitude. The math portion of the test is eighth grade level pre-algebra (decimals, fractions, percentages) accompanying basic mechanical aptitude. Go to a book store or library and ask for assistance to locate the right study material for you.
